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What a joyous time to be a part of the Marble community! Soon the renovation of the new Concourse level will be complete and all of our sacred spaces will be under one roof, protected in our landmarked building. At the heart of these new spaces will be the Labyrinth Room, with the only inlaid, walkable labyrinth in the city. This heart will also serve as the space where Marble Ministries will come together and live out their faith.
Marble is a second home to many and it is up to us, who inhabit this home and use these spaces, to furnish and make this new house a home. “What a wonderful opportunity we have before us to give back, leave a legacy and in so doing, join the company of our Marble spiritual ancestors, whose gifts we are able to see and enjoy today,” says Kathryn Boyce-Piper, Marble Women's Ministry, Leadership Team.
Please consider a generous gift that will support the Marble mission now, continue our legacy for future generations, and allow you to leave your mark in Marble’s history. You can view the brochure of our Chair Campaign for more details.
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Our Chair
 • Contemporary Design
• Harmonious with Existing Aesthetics
• Stackable for Easy Storage
• Lightweight
• Breathable Mesh
• "Give" to Seat
• Recycled Materials Used
• Easily Recyclable
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FAQs
Q: What spaces will be included in the new Concourse level? Labyrinth Room, Chapel, Columbarium [reference floor plan]
Q: What activities and programs will happen in these spaces? Many of our ministries, including Women’s Ministry, Men’s Ministry, Committed Couples, LGBT Fellowship, 60+ Fellowship, 40’s/50’s Ministry, Children Youth & Families, Arts Ministry and Entrepreneurs will all use the space. In this space Sister Carol’s Bible Study will take place and our 1:30 Hours and Small Groups will thrive.
Q: Who paid for the renovation of Burrell Hall into the Concourse space? Why are they not paying for the chairs? The Collegiate Church of NYC paid for the renovation, but now the interior of the space must be provided for by the community that uses it, the Marble community. We are grateful for the gift of these new spaces.
Q: Is $250 the actual cost of the chairs? Can we get them cheaper? The chairs were significantly discounted and were chosen for quality, durability and harmony with the beauty of the labyrinth. The cost of dollies, maintenance, storage etc. also requires revenue.
Q: Why do we need new chairs? Why can’t we use the old chairs? The current are over a decade old, in disrepair and uncomfortable (congregants often feel as if they are sliding off them). Using them would require us to cover the new labyrinth.
Q: What is a labyrinth? What is its significance and importance? How will it benefit ministry at Marble? A Labyrinth is a space for a personal walking meditation, a body prayer traversed on a single path for personal, psychological and spiritual transformation. The winding path becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives; it touches our sorrows, releases our joys, and guides us into the experience of the presence of God. Labyrinths began to appear on church walls and floors around 1000 C.E., an archetype of a divine imprint. There are even examples from churches in the Roman Empire and are found in various forms in many religions and cultural traditions around the world. We will have the only permanent, walkable indoor labyrinth in the city, and it will deepen and aid in our spiritual journey.
Q: When will the space be available? Will there be a dedication? We are currently on track for an early April completion date, and anticipate rst using the space during Holy Week. The space will be dedicated after Easter on April 29.
Q: When will the chairs be available? As the new chairs are funded, they will quickly replace the old ones. Depending on funding, they may all be in the space as soon as the space is finished. If not by then, the hope is that they will be fully funded by the dedication on April 29th.
Q: What motivated the renovation? The renovation was undertaken realizing that the Collegiate Church of NYC may enter into an agreement with a developer that would result in the temporary loss of the programming space we currently use in 1 West 29th Street. Currently, there is no specific timeline for the new development, but the renovation of the Concourse has prepared the way for a smooth transition should an agreement be signed.
Q: Are other furnishings needed? Along the way, we will also need to raise funds for pews for the chapel, audio-visual equipment for the Labyrinth Room, a stained glass window for the columbarium, etc. The chairs are our first task in making our house a home.
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Concourse
Marble Collegiate Church, included in the National Register of Historic Places, was founded in 1628 and has been here, in this building, since 1854. It is has stood tall through World Wars, depressions and recessions, terrorist attacks and dark times. It has provided welcome and comfort, and served as a beacon of hope, spirituality and inspiration to so many, including each of us.
It is now our opportunity to ensure the continuation of the Marble legacy for future generations and to leave our mark, as others before us have done. As we speak of the generations before us and how they affected the history of Marble, so too will future generations speak of this point in our timeline and history. Floor Plan
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Contribute to the Chair Campaign
Our first task in making this house a home is purchasing new chairs for the Labyrinth Room to provide the welcoming atmosphere which is so much a part of our mission here at Marble. The chairs are $250 each, which includes the cost of maintenance, a stacking storage system and replacements as needed.
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Stephanie M. Bailey, Marble Board President, illustrating the need for new chairs.
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These are commercial grade chairs, being chosen specifically for durability, quality and harmony with our Labyrinth Room. Our current chairs, over a decade old, are in disrepair and badly in need of replacement. You are welcome to contribute as an individual or as part of a group. You may purchase one chair, many chairs, or contribute to the overall campaign.
Many of our Ministries have already begun to get involved, including the children of CYF who are joining together to purchase a chair. We ask you to ask yourself what Marble means, and has meant, to you. “In the season of learning to unwrap our gifts, we're also finally able to deliver some gifts to the place where we worship and give thanks. I can't wait to witness the many uses of this great newly adorned space!” says Richard Harper, Deacon.
Please consider a generous gift that will support the Marble mission now, continue our legacy for future generations, and allow you to leave your mark* in Marble’s history.
Make an online contribution for the Chair Campaign
Make a contribution in Honor/Memory of Someone Special for the Chair Campaign
*All contributors will be listed in a special tribute book, unless otherwise specified by the donor.
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How Are We Doing?
We are off to a great start! We are grateful for the many individuals who have already contributed to our chair campaign. Individuals Ministries have gotten created, including the children of CYF, who are working together to purchase a chair.
So far, we have received contributions for 111 chairs. We are more than 1/2 of the way there!
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